Join the Mission: Volunteer with Lee’s Summit Underwater Rescue & Recovery
For nearly six decades, Lee’s Summit Underwater Rescue & Recovery (LSUR) has proudly served the greater Kansas City area through waterborne rescue and recovery operations, public safety diving, and water safety education.
Every call we answer, every life we touch, and every mission we complete is made possible by dedicated volunteers, individuals who give their time, skills, and heart to serve their community.
We are currently seeking new volunteers to join our team. Whether you’re an experienced diver, an organized administrator, a hands-on maintenance pro, or a medical professional, there’s a place for you at LSUR.
Why Volunteer with LSUR?
As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit public safety dive team, our operations depend on volunteers who share our passion for service and commitment to safety. Volunteering with LSUR is more than a title, it’s a calling. You’ll be part of a close knit team trained to respond to emergencies, assist law enforcement and fire departments, and promote water safety awareness throughout our community.
Commitment matters. Because our work often involves emergency response, we ask that all volunteers are dependable, communicative, and willing to train regularly to maintain operational readiness. LSUR holds monthly business meetings, monthly team training days and quarterly equipment maintenance. Due to the nature of our work, most members must also remain available for emergency callouts 24/7/365, notifying the Officers when unavailable (for vacations, etc.).
Volunteer Roles
Public Safety Diver
Our divers are at the heart of every mission. These highly trained volunteers conduct underwater search, rescue, and recovery operations in often challenging environments.
As a Public Safety Diver, you’ll represent LSUR in the field working side by side with public safety agencies to bring closure to families, and safety to our community.
Requirements:
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Be a certified Open Water Diver (or equivalent) with 10+ hours of logged dive time in the last two years
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Successfully complete a swim test, skills evaluation, and medical exam
Expectations:
Our divers are professionals in every sense; responsible, safety-minded, and willing to train consistently. This role requires teamwork, endurance, and a strong sense of mission.
Support Team Member
Not a diver? You can still play a vital role. Our Support Team Members ensure smooth operations on every scene managing logistics, assisting divers, and helping with gear, vehicles, and documentation. Training will be provided for this role upon acceptance to the team and throughout membership to ensure knowledge base for operational assistance with divers.
Requirements:
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Willingness to take direction and contribute as needed
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Attend monthly meetings and trainings as well as assist during operations as called upon
Expectations:
Support members are essential for the safety and success of every dive operation. They provide the foundation that keeps the team efficient and mission-ready.
Medical Officer
Safety doesn’t stop at the surface. Our Medical Officers provide vital medical oversight during training and operations, assisting with diver fitness evaluations, post-dive assessments, and emergency care when needed.
Ideal for individuals who are:
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Certified EMTs, paramedics, nurses, or physicians
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Experienced in emergency response or occupational health
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Comfortable working in dynamic, outdoor environments
Expectations:
Medical Officers are critical to diver safety, ensuring our team operates within safe limits and providing medical readiness during high-risk operations. The Medical Officer reviews and maintains diver medical records, oversees annual medical evaluations, and ensures all team members remain current with CPR and first aid certifications. During operations, they may conduct on-site physical or neurological assessments, provide field medical guidance, and assist with incident documentation or follow-up.
> Application Link Pending
Maintenance Officer
Our gear is only as reliable as the hands that care for it. The Maintenance Officer helps inspect, service, and maintain LSUR’s specialized equipment, from dive gear and vehicles to communication systems and rescue tools.
Ideal for individuals who are:
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Mechanically skilled or experienced with tools and equipment maintenance
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Comfortable working with technical equipment or learning new systems
Expectations:
Maintenance volunteers attend monthly business meetings and participate in maintenance days as scheduled or as needed. They play a key role in ensuring that all equipment meets operational and safety standards through regular inspections and upkeep. When issues arise, they evaluate, troubleshoot, and take corrective action to keep gear mission-ready. Their dedication directly supports diver safety and overall mission success.
Administrative Volunteer
Behind every operation is careful planning, coordination, and communication. Our Administrative Volunteers handle critical behind-the-scenes work, from data management and event planning to fundraising, community outreach, and social media.
Ideal for individuals who are:
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Organized, detail-oriented, and dependable
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Experienced in office administration, communication, or public relations
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Interested in nonprofit management and community engagement
Expectations:
Administrative volunteers will attend all business meetings and help to ensure LSUR runs efficiently and remains connected to the community. Flexible scheduling allows for meaningful contributions even outside of active operations.
The Commitment That Makes a Difference
Volunteering with LSUR is demanding but deeply rewarding. You’ll gain specialized skills, build lifelong friendships, and play an essential part in a mission that truly saves lives. Every member, diver or not, contributes to making Kansas City’s waters safer for everyone.
If you’re ready to serve with purpose, dedication, and teamwork, we want to hear from you. Be part of something extraordinary. Help us protect our community through service, training, and education.